Orchard Conversations

In this special holiday episode, Benjamin, Scott and Anna lead us through a simple gratitude practice. Our whole team is grateful for you, our community of listeners. Have a safe and peace-filled Thanksgiving celebration!
•••
Things mentioned in this week's episode:
Download the Thanksgiving Table Liturgy(assembled by our friends at The Practice)
Stream or download “Welcome Home” by Shine Song Collective
•••
To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

FROM ME TO WE || WEEK 6
This week as we conclude our "From ME to We" series, Anna Hammond will guide us into greater awareness about how our individual actions impact our greater communities and the world we live in. 
•••
Questions for contemplation and conversation:
What is ONE place where you’d like to intentionally grow as a weaver of community?
What kind of community would YOU like to weave? When you think of “building a place to belong,” what comes to mind? How can you participate in weaving the Kingdom of God into this world?
What is one idea, question, feeling, or quote from this “From Me to We” series that you’d like to take with you into this next season?
•••
To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com
 

On this special episode, Lead Pastor Scott Hodge speaks on his firsthand, transformative journey to the Holy Land and leads us in centering our intentions on fostering peace in the Middle East.
The Orchard believes in the power of creating intentional spaces to engage our hearts and minds with ideas of positive change. Come together with us in the spirit of unity, compassion, and hope, as we extend our collective prayers for peace, aiming for their impact to resonate far beyond the bounds of our community.
•••
To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

FROM ME TO WE || WEEK 5
Do you have the sense there’s something more for you to bring to this world, but often find yourself too overcommitted and exhausted to bring it? This week, Benjamin Jay Thomas guides us into conversation about the way healthy boundaries can set us up to honor the unique offering we have for this world while opening ourselves to experience the joy of interconnection with the others around us. 
•••
Questions for contemplation and conversation:
In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to set boundaries? Why do you think that is?
Which of the two extreme types o boundaries do YOU tend to gravitate toward - Porous or Rigid — why do you think that is?
How do your personal boundaries reflect your values and priorities?
Can you identify a recent situation where a lack of boundaries led to discomfort or conflict? How could healthy boundaries have changed the outcome?
Can you identify a recent situation where healthy boundaries help serve your values and priorities?
•••
Things mentioned in this week's episode:
"Set Boundaries, Find Peace" - Nedra Glover Tawwab (book)
•••
To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

FROM ME TO WE || WEEK 4
This week Scott Hodge explores the power of being PRESENT over finding quick solutions, addressing our natural tendency to "fix" things and guide us toward offering non-judgmental support instead. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey and enhance your interpersonal relationships. 
•••
Questions for contemplation and conversation:
Can you recall a time when someone was truly present with you in a moment of difficulty, without trying to fix the situation? How did that make you feel?
What internal barriers or fears do you experience that make it challenging for you to simply "be" with someone who is going through a hard time?
Do you identify as a 'minimizer,' 'teacher,' or 'solver' when faced with someone else's difficulties? What barriers does this role create for you in being truly present with someone?
•••
To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

FROM ME TO WE || WEEK 3
How hard can LISTENING be? It’s just passively sitting there with our ears open, right?. Well, it turns out that while many of us might have great HEARING, we are terrible at LISTENING. As we continue our journey moving from “ME to WE”, Benjamin Jay Thomas explores what it means for us to truly listen… to ourselves, to each other and to the Divine. 
•••
Questions for contemplation and conversation:
Reflect on the empathic listening exercise. What was challenging about it, and what did you learn from the experience?
How do you usually find yourself listening in conversations - to respond or to understand? What steps could you take to shift towards more empathic listening?
How might the practice of INNER listening change the way you interact with others, and how does it resonate with your own spiritual journey?
As a community, how can we support each other in becoming better listeners? What steps can we take collectively to foster a culture of empathic listening within and beyond our community?
•••
To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

FROM ME TO WE || WEEK 2
In our world that's often defined by masks, labels and facades, true connection takes place when we let our guard down to be seen and understood. On this episode, Anna Hammond will share some practical ways we can let vulnerability transform our everyday relationships. 
•••
Questions for contemplation and conversation:
Can you recall a time in your life when you felt the need to hide your true self to fit in? What was that experience like for you, and how did it make you feel?
What are some things that genuinely bring you joy? Have you ever felt hesitant to express them to others? 
When have you felt like you truly belonged in a community or group? What made that experience different from merely fitting in?
What steps can you take to help create a community of true belonging in your own life, workplace, or faith community?
•••
To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

FROM ME TO WE || WEEK 1
Longing for more authentic connections in your life? Do you want to be part of something larger than yourself? This series is designed to guide us through the essential skills and mindsets needed to build a stronger, more vibrant community. Whether you have a crew of friends or you've been craving more connection, there's something in this series for everyone. On this episode, Lead Pastor Scott Hodge kicks off the series by diving into our communal value of interdependence. 
•••
Questions for contemplation and conversation:
Reflecting on the human chains at Panama City Beach, when was the last time you actively reached out to be part of a collective solution, even if it meant stepping out of your comfort zone? How can you more intentionally foster such collective actions in your day-to-day life?
Thinking about the pitfalls of being overly independent, can you recall a time when prioritizing self-reliance led to feelings of isolation or disconnect? How might opening yourself to interdependent relationships have changed the outcome?
What fears or reservations do you have about leaning on others or allowing them to lean on you?How might embracing interdependence enrich both your personal growth and the quality of your relationships?
•••
To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com